BNI Share.

One of my projects this year is to share up front and personal some of the business colleagues I meet with weekly/monthly in my networking groups. I have been involved in Business Networking International for several years. I feel it’s one of the more on purpose things I do to grow my business and me, the Tuesday morning breakfast meeting environment is structured, thought provoking and impressive to be a part of, especially if your group is growing. Our group is growing and it’s wonderfully dynamic. Our group is diverse and has an exceptional variety of businesses in it.

Jodi Hoekstra of Pure Organization absolutely loves what she does. She’s a slight sophisticate. Meaning; she’s this tiny thing, and always looks just really spiffy. She’s really easy to talk to, has a wonderful smile and in the month of January who’s NOT thinking about getting organized.

Jodi recently did her 10 minute presentation for our BNI group. A few questions popped to my mind as she was speaking.

Jodi,

1. You mentioned that your a tad OCD, can you tell us a bit more about that especially how it benefits the work you do now? Has this tendency ever been comical or a problem for you? If so, would you mind sharing?

Because I love to have everything it is place (and know immediately if an item is not) and  I am a bit of a perfectionist, I am often called OCD by family and friends. I think it is beneficial in what do because I can walk into a space and envision the possibilities instantly – the key when working with clients is to know how “OCD“ they would like to become – organization is different for everyone and a space does not need to look “perfect“ to be organized – it just needs to work for them.

Ahhh…funny story about my OCD tendencies – my husband and I were out to dinner and he knows how particular (crazy) I am about order, etc. He decided to empty the sugar packets all over the table and pull the condiments from its caddy and place them all about and not allow me to restore order for  10 minutes! Although a good lesson in patience – I really just wanted to get everything back in its place. But that’s why I love him! Helps me to calm down a bit!

2. Share with us your most challenging project – what made it challenging and what did you learn in the process of meeting the demands of it.

Oh…my goodness!!! The most challenging was our first custom storage project a little over a year ago. I had sold our first custom walk-in closet and was very excited because we got it instead of California Closets. Woo Hoo!

Ok…so now how are we going to get this amazing triple-hang, shoe storage, hutch units, etc…installed perfectly. We had literally just added this component to the business and I had yet to find an installer so….I called my manufacturer – he gave me a dealer in Michigan that might be willing to help. Contacted the dealer and the owner was amazing! He offered to come himself and do the installation for me. Ahhh…so things were looking good….had installer….product ordered….stomach could relax or so I thought. Decided to run through the order with my “new installer“ good deal I did because there were items I had not ordered that I didn’t know we needed but still ok..he had them and would bring them with to the install. The day before the install we received the product…checked it in….ughhh…we did not receive everything and some things were wrong!

I won’t bore you with all the other “challenges“ of this project, but eventually we did get it finished. The client was thrilled with the results. We went on to do another closet for them and five for a friend of theirs.

What I learned: always call your client,  don’t have them have to call you to find out what is happening – because we did do this we received additional work after the job was complete. Never schedule the install for the day after you receive the product. Double and triple check everything.

Additionally, what I learned from this experience: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No matter how difficult a situation is it is better to face it and you will be stronger for doing so. Surround yourself with the best – you will learn more and grow as a person.

3. A favorite project, why was it your favorite.

Hmm….it is hard to pick a favorite. I would have to say one of my business clients because of the diversity of the project. We helped them with the space planning of their office, creating systems for storing electronic and paper information, developing spreadsheets for tracking prospects and job information, help with time management, and administrative support.

4. Since this is tax season what would be your top 5 tips for keeping your tax projects in order

1.Keep on top of items that relate to your taxes throughout the year to avoid stress on April 14^th.

2. Make a list of all the documents you need in order to do your taxes – this way you can check them off once you receive them and know what you are still waiting to receive.

3. Purchase a desktop file box and create a hanging folder for each tax category that you need such as, donations, business related expenses, W-2’s, 1099’s, Loan Information, bank statements, college tuition, etc. This way you have an easy place to drop in information as it is received.

4. Consider using a money management program such as Quicken or Microsoft Money throughout the year to help you keep track of your income, expenses, etc.

5. Set a deadline for yourself to get it done and stick to it so there will be no panic come April – not to mention the sooner you get it done the sooner you will receive your refund.

5. This wasn’t your first career, how did your last profession prepare you for owning your own business and in particular in professional organizing.

Prior to starting Pure Organization I worked for Exelon Services as a service manager. We provided high end security systems / support / maintenance for commercial clients and institutions such as Daimler Chrysler, University of Chicago Hospitals, and Museum of Science and Industry. Not only did I strengthen my organizational skills at Exelon, I was also fortunate to be thrown into many difficult situations, outside the service arena, with many of our clients. This helped me gain more confidence in myself and my ability to handle any situation.

6. When you’re not organizing how do you relax or spend your free time?

When I am not organizing I enjoy spending time with friends and family, learning how to play the guitar, reading, and yoga.

jodi hoekstra and sophie, her brother’s boxer

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
 
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: <sup>Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean as seen on Oprah

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member, Board Member and Programming Chair of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs</sup>